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Palm Springs holds 'welcome home' party for Tim Bradley

Timothy Bradley traded in the energy and allure of Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena for the calming company of family, friends and fans Saturday morning in Palm Springs. The public threw a surprise "welcome home" celebration for the Cathedral City boxer — sporting a boot cast on his right leg — from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.

PALM SPRINGS – Timothy Bradley traded in the energy and allure of Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena for the calming company of family, friends and fans Saturday morning in Palm Springs.

The public threw a surprise "welcome home" celebration for the Cathedral City boxer — sporting a boot cast on his right leg — from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.

Bradley suffered his first career loss on April 12 in Las Vegas, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Manny Pacquiao in a WBO welterweight championship fight.

"I was born and raised right here, so I'm very honored to see the community out here, and friends and family coming together and giving me some love," Bradley said. "That's what it's all about."

The loss ended a six-year championship reign for Bradley, who had won 10 championship fights — including four world titles. Nine of Bradley's opponents were either current or former title holders.

During that time, Bradley also earned the 2013 Fight of the Year honors for his unanimous decision victory over Ruslan Provodnikov in a brutal battle.

A torn right calf in the first round of the Pacquiao bout possibly undid the "Desert Storm" — the nickname fans chanted as Bradley rounded the Unity Center for the taco lunch out back.

Bradley will be out of action eight to 12 weeks, during which time he plans to vacation in Hawaii.

"I'm going to heal up, get my injury taken care of and come back even stronger," Bradley said. "I think this loss has definitely motivated me, changed my whole outlook on some things and fighting, and I'm completely different the way I think now."

Future fights will be taken from a different approach, Bradley added — planning to be in better shape and "more lethal" upon his return to the ring.

The boxer joked with those close to him and posed for photos with admirers.

"My favorite boxer's Tim Bradley all the way," said a 12-year-old named Bryant, one of the many kids gathered to catch a glimpse of the local phenom.

Entire families showed up to cheer their hero on.

Mark Ancheta, 32, of Cathedral City brought his two young children — eagerly awaiting tacos after getting some face-time with Bradley.

"It's great for him to represent the desert, so I'm here to support him," Ancheta said. "He's a great boxer who's climbed up the ladder."

Bradley just seemed happy to be home.

Only once he'd met with everyone would he partake of the feast in front of him — unburdened by his strict training diet.

"I'm ready for some tacos. I'm ready for whatever," Bradley said. "I'm not a vegan right now, so I'm eating everything in sight."